Bet Mishpachah

Bet Mishpachah is Washington's only Egalitarian Synagogue Embracing a Diversity of Sexual
and Gender Identities, founded in 1975 by members of DC's LGBTQ+ community.

WELCOME TO BET MISHPACHAH!

A congregation for gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, trans and queer Jews, our
families, friends and allies and all who wish to participate in an inclusive,
progressive, egalitarian, and mutually supportive community. Explore our
website to learn more about our vibrant community!

Our Rabbi, Jake Singer-Beilin, guides our spiritual path, and leads or co-leads
half of our Shabbat and holiday services along with our talented cohort of
lay leaders.

Click here to find out more about services. If you have any questions, please
see our contact page where you will find the contact information for our
administrator and board.

Please join us!

UPCOMING EVENTS

All Events

Sunday ,
JanJanuary 5 , 2025

Shabbat Services with Bet Mishpachah
Sunday, Jan 5th 8:00p to Sunday, Dec 28th 8:00p
Join Bet Mishpachah weekly on Fridays at 8:00 pm as we welcome Shabbat with our warm and joyous services. We also meet the 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 10:00 am for a brief service and stimulating Torah discussion. Both services are followed by our tasty Oneg Shabbat or Kiddush luncheon. All are welcome!
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Saturday ,
FebFebruary 22 , 2025

A Deep Dive into Megilat Esther (The Scroll of Esther) with Rabbi jake
Shabbat, Feb 22nd 12:30p to 2:00p
We regularly hear the story read or performed around Purim time, but rarely do we pause to take in the full details and messages of this powerful tale of danger and defiance. Let’s read through the text and find those parts that are usually left out of the annual spiel. Eunuchs, sexual try-outs, and massive body counts - this is definitely not for kids!
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Sunday ,
FebFebruary 23 , 2025

NOVA Chavura brunch
Sunday, Feb 23rd 11:00a to 1:00p
Join us for Sunday Brunch and fun company-- including coffee, bagels, cream cheese, and lox. If you wish to bring additional food, we suggest dessert, fruit, juice, or something else to share.
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Friday ,
FebFebruary 28 , 2025

Jewish Food and Recipe swap
Friday, Feb 28th 6:30p to 8:00p
Join us at the EDCJCC for a recipe swap and potluck. Bring your favorite Jewish (vegetarian or dairy) recipe to share with others, and the same dish to share. Aim for a dish that can be served cold or at room temperature. If your dish needs to be warmed let us know in advance.
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Sunday ,
MarMarch 2 , 2025

Israeli up Close: A Conversation with Michael Lavers and Joshua Maxey
Sunday, Mar 2nd 11:00a to 1:00p
Join Joshua Maxey, Executive Director of Bet Mishpachah, and Michael K. Lavers, international news editor of the Washington Blade for a conversation on their recent trips to Israel and LGBTQ+ life in Israel post-October 7th. This event will be virtual only.
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Friday ,
MarMarch 7 , 2025

Women's First Friday Monthly Outreach
Friday, Mar 7th 6:30p to 8:00p
Join us for our virtual First Friday pre service Women’s Outreach. Pour your favorite beverage and enjoy your dinner while you zoom into our gathering and usher in Shabbat with great company and conversation!
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Sunday ,
MarMarch 9 , 2025

Book Group
Sunday, Mar 9th 4:00p to 5:30p
Come discuss with us "Prodigal Children in the House of God" by Yermiyahu Ahron Taub
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Friday ,
MarMarch 14 , 2025

Celebrate Purim Shabbat with Bet Mishpachah
Friday, Mar 14th 7:00p to 10:00p
Led by Rabbi Jake Singer-Beilin, come celebrate a unique and interactive Shabbat Service which will include the reading of Megilla!
Register Now

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Friday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2025

Israeli Dancing with David and Nat
Friday, Mar 21st 6:30p to 8:00p
Dancing affirms who we are and connects us. Plus, it's great cardio. Join us to learn some Israeli folk dances from two great teachers. Explore who you are. Experience others. Make friends. Enjoy the free food and beverages. You need not be a member of Bet Mishpachah to attend.
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Friday ,
MarMarch 21 , 2025

Simchat Shabbat
Friday, Mar 21st 8:00p to 10:00p
Celebrate your special event or occasion with us. A special blessing will be recited as well as an enhanced Oneg Shabbat.
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Sunday ,
MarMarch 23 , 2025

Joy Ladin - guest speaker
Sunday, Mar 23rd 11:00a to 1:00p
In observance of Transgender day of Visibility, we are honored to host Joy Ladin, essayist, poet and scholar. Joy was the first openly transgender employee of an Orthodox Jewish institution.
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Saturday ,
MarMarch 29 , 2025

Virtual Havdala with Scott Reiter
Shabbat, Mar 29th 8:00p to 9:00p
Join us via Zoom as we say good by to Shabbat together
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Saturday ,
AprApril 26 , 2025

Civil Disobedience and Judaism with Rabbi Jake
Shabbat, Apr 26th 12:30p to 2:00p
Throughout our history, Jews have had to grapple with authorities whose values and decisions were at odds with our own. There is therefore a plethora of discussion in Jewish works from ancient times until now that call on us to do what we know to be right, even if it goes against what we are told. Let’s look at examples of Jews engaging in civil disobedience over the years, and figure out what is can mean for us today.
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